S&W M&P .40 Compact

I've never touched one but from descriptions, it sounds like a contender. I just called a sport shop 70 miles from home but only 45 miles from work and they have two with the manual safety, a feature I want for my reasons.

From those that have a compact and wear a large or extra large glove to size your hands, what do you think about the grip and trigger reach? Does it fit your hand okay?

I like 1911's, full sized glocks, and my Ruger Security Six to gage what what feels right in my hand. My Bersa 95 feels right for the first shot.

I'll burn 4 hours of my 2.5 days remaining vacation this year to do the trip and inspect/buy the gun if I get favorable responses.

The M&P series of pistols are just about the most ergonomic pistols made today and fit about every hand size. Even the compact models with the pinky rest fit like a glove.

The most surprising thing about the M&P compacts is the incredible accuracy for such a small size and short sight radius. I shoot my M&P9c nearly as well as my M&P full size handguns. My son has outshot me and my buddies with his M&P40c, even though we are using customized 1911's... That is pretty humbling.

bartman06

September 23, 2010, 12:35 PM

I have a 45 full size and a 45 compact and i love them both. I want one in 357 Sig to complete the collection.
I have the medium back-straps on. They just feel comfortable in my hands. I don't have any issues with my trigger reach. The only complaint i have is that i wish the trigger had a stronger reset. I have a DCAEK kit on it from apex tactical and i really like it. It is a great choice

Manco

September 23, 2010, 02:38 PM

My M&P40's grip fills and fits my hand very nicely indeed, and its trigger reach is noticeably shorter than those of Glocks in the same caliber (the same goes for the subcompact versions of both), but not extraordinarily short. My fingers are somewhat short, and while I can shoot Glocks, I feel more comfortable with the M&P's trigger. Most who have smallish hands should be able to reach the trigger alright, even with the medium backstrap installed, and I haven't heard any complaints from those who have large hands or long fingers. This is a very ergonomic design that is suited for an exceptionally wide range of needs and preferences, and it's an extremely reliable shooter these days, too. :cool:

samurai

September 23, 2010, 03:52 PM

I don't have the 40c, but do have the 9c-same size. With the changeable backstraps, you shouldn't have any problem fitting your hand. Mine shoot much better that the Glocks they replaced-23 and 27.

clutch

September 23, 2010, 07:26 PM

All good news. I ended up buying one. I had one incident on the way home. Had car on cruise control but my right foot must have rested on the gas. I noticed I was doing 65 in a 55 about the time the deputy noticed me.

Pistol laying on front seat in case partly open, presented my license and CCW permit out the drivers window and immediately notified him of the firearm on the seat. He asked is that the only one, I said yes.

Asks me if I know why he stopped me, I reply, because I was going to darn fast.
Where are you headed? To my club to shoot it at some plates I respond.

Off to the the cruiser he goes. Darn. 10 over can be expensive, fines and insurance rates. There goes my holster money and cash for reloading stuff for a while.

Deputy comes back, I see him in side mirror, only holding my paperwork. Hands it back to me, asks what did you buy, I tell him, he gives a approving grunt and tells me to slow down. He also thanks me for my courtesy.

Didn't get a lot of time to wring out the pistol, I think it shoots low with 180 grain but the rain started and I headed home.

Clutch

Full Metal Jacket

September 23, 2010, 07:52 PM

i had two m&p's, sold them both to fund a 1911 purchase. a mp40c, and mp45c.

i couldn't shoot worth a crap with either one, and neither felt right in my hands no matter what backstrap was attached. for many folks it's the opposite. i would rent and shoot it before purchase.

the mp40c had a slide stop with a mind of it's own that 3 trips back to s&w didn't resolve. never jammed though. the mp45c never had any issues.

good guns, unless you get one with an odd problem like i did.

Skylerbone

September 23, 2010, 08:15 PM

Clutch, the frame size is the same regardless of slide length on the M&Ps, it is the length of the grip that varies. I wear an XL glove and the 9c fits very well with the large insert. I would love S&W forever if they stretched the trigger out another 1/2" or so but I know that would prevent many from ever reaching it. They are indeed comfortable enough that I purchased 3.

If you're looking at the compact for cc but want to put in plenty of range time as well, I would suggest that you take advantage of the 2 free magazines and order the 15 rounders meant for the full size 40 and buy two of these: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=946044

For those not familiar with the rebate promotion, here's a link: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_762156_-1_757992_757992_image

Up front I'll tell you that I didn't care for the stock triggers on my M&Ps. They were gritty and heavy. I purchased the Apex Tactical Hard Sear and Ultimate Striker Block for the first one and used it as a guide along with the "Burwell" instructions to lighten the other two. For accessories: http://www.speedshooterspecialties.com/catalog/display.php?category=Smith+%26+Wesson+M%26P+Compact and for instructions: http://www.burwellguns.com/misc/M&Ptriggerjob.pdf.

No failures with any of mine after 1800, 600 and 450 rounds (40/9c/9L) and no regrets. Good luck and good shooting, hope this helps.

Just One Shot

September 24, 2010, 09:33 AM

Up front I'll tell you that I didn't care for the stock triggers on my M&Ps. They were gritty and heavy. I purchased the Apex Tactical Hard Sear and Ultimate Striker Block for the first one and used it as a guide along with the "Burwell" instructions to lighten the other two.
+1
I did the same on my .40 compact and the difference is amazing.

clutch

September 24, 2010, 06:14 PM

Clutch, the frame size is the same regardless of slide length on the M&Ps, it is the length of the grip that varies. I wear an XL glove and the 9c fits very well with the large insert. I would love S&W forever if they stretched the trigger out another 1/2" or so but I know that would prevent many from ever reaching it. They are indeed comfortable enough that I purchased 3.

About 1/4" would be perfect for me.

For those not familiar with the rebate promotion, here's a link: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_762156_-1_757992_757992_image

I already sent in for the compact mags. I'm wondering if I'm going to get flat magazine pads or the curved one. I don't like the flat mag that came with my pistol.

Up front I'll tell you that I didn't care for the stock triggers on my M&Ps. They were gritty and heavy. I purchased the Apex Tactical Hard Sear and Ultimate Striker Block for the first one and used it as a guide along with the "Burwell" instructions to lighten the other two. For accessories: http://www.speedshooterspecialties.com/catalog/display.php?category=Smith+%26+Wesson+M%26P+Compact and for instructions: http://www.burwellguns.com/misc/M&Ptriggerjob.pdf.

I looked at the burwell mod, I'll likely just buy the Apex parts when my credit card is paid off again. Speedshooters has the curved base pads, I'll order after I know what my two rebate mags look like.

No failures with any of mine after 1800, 600 and 450 rounds (40/9c/9L) and no regrets. Good luck and good shooting, hope this helps.

No failure to function is great for a PDW. Work and weather is keeping me from testing accuracy over a bag to see what I have to work with.

You have been a wealth of information. It is appreciated along with the input of everyone else.

I was comparing it to my Bersa 95 .380. The slide is about 1/2" longer but the rest is inside the foot print of my Bersa, a gun I tended to carry because it was easy to conceal. It is slightly thicker and a bit heavier but not by much.

Now I need to find a decent IWB holster along with a OWB for shooting IDPA.